Community threat, positive parenting, and accelerated epigenetic aging: Longitudinal links from childhood to adolescence

Child Development 2026 Open access

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Authors: Georgette Metrailer, Karina Tavares, Mikayla Ver Pault, Adamari Lopez, Shane Denherder, Evelyn Hernandez Valencia, Karissa DiMarzio, April Highlander, Sarah M. Merrill, Darlynn M. Rojo-Wissar, Justin Parent
DOI: 10.1093/chidev/aacaf002
Cited by: 2
References: 43

Abstract

Early life adversity (ELA) has been linked to accelerated epigenetic aging. While positive parenting is hypothesized to buffer the effects of ELA, its role in mitigating epigenetic age acceleration remains unclear. Data from 2,039 children (49.7% female; 46.7% Black, 26.5% Hispanic, and 19% White non-Hispanic) in the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study were included. Home threat, community threat, and parenting were measured from ages 3 to 9 (2001-2010). Epigenetic age acceleration was assessed at ages 9 and 15 (2007-2017). Positive parenting reduced the pace of epigenetic aging in contexts of low, but not high, community threat (β = .026, p = .039). Interventions across multiple socioecological systems may be necessary to prevent the biological embedding of ELA.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Epigenetics and DNA Methylation Stress Responses and Cortisol Race Genetics and Society

Publication details

Journal / source
Child Development
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
97
Issue
1
Pages
9–20
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN